KANSAS CITY — Brett Veach’s plan entering the NFL draft last week wasn’t just to draft defense, defense, defense. He really did want to select the best player available. But he also knew improving his roster’s defense had to be his ultimate goal.

What occurred last week for the Kansas City Chiefs was Veach, their new general manager, selecting defensive prospect after defensive prospect. More important for Veach was that each prospect fit within his overall philosophical desire to improve the team.

For the first time in the franchise’s history, each of the six prospects the Chiefs selected in the draft played primarily on defense during their collegiate careers. Only Kahlil McKenzie, a defensive lineman from Tennessee, is expected to switch to offense, as he tries to make the transition to a guard. Veach believes the five other prospects — Breeland Speaks, Derrick Nnadi, Dorian O’Daniel, Armani Watts and Tremon Smith — are all capable of being reliable...

SALE: Free trial and 30% off

Try The Athletic free for a week to get access to this article and more smart, in-depth coverage. Read and support quality journalism with this limited-time offer.